Bruce Trust Barge Trips

Every year Hungerford Rotary Club hires out one the Bruce Trust barges for 10 days and takes guests out for day trips on the Kennet and Avon canal. This year the boat went between Great Bedwyn and Woolhampton and their guests included Lambourn  Silver Circle Club, The Tuesday Club, Bearwater residents  and Guests, Westwood House, Brendon Care, Diamond Care  and Hungerford Day Centre. The captain and crew were all members and partners of the Rotary club and their guests brought along helpers to make the day go smoothly. Some of the guests had never had the opportunity to experience a canal trip before, but with the extensive facilities on board for any disabled passengers, it was all made possible. An excellent day out on the water was enjoyed by all.

Organiser Graeme Sleeman addsed "We have completed another very successful week of day trips with the Bruce Boat 'Rebecca'. I would particularly like to thank my fellow 'skippers' Robin Dudney and Myles Young along with all those who gave of their time to help crew the boat, organize transport and generally support the venture. "

This year we took seven different groups and organizations and provided days out for over 70 elderly, disadvantaged or disabled people. Their ages ranged from 36 through to 101 and included groups with physical handicaps and or learning difficulties.
We have received many notes of thanks and am certain that all involved had an exciting and interesting time with us - despite the weather !

This year we had members or 'service users' with us from Lambourn Silver Circle, Tuesday Club, Westwood House, Brendon Care ( including our very own Ray & Effie Stebbings and Eileen Smith ) Diamond Care, Hungerford Day Centre and others. All very worthy participants in this wonderful example of Rotary service to our community.

To my knowledge we had no accidents, upset no fishermen and lost nobody overboard ! Although Bruce apparently tried to erect a sail and 'tack' along the Canal whilst Mike Dorward was spotted climbing on a fence to 'scrump' apples growing on a tree alongside the Canal - all apples so collected were donated to Westwood House for a celebratory Apple Crumble.

Thanks again to all those who helped. We look forward to next year and better weather !